Virat Kohli Recalls IPL Auction Day: A Rs 20 Lakh Contract and a Dream Come True
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has grown exponentially since its inception 18 years ago, and one player who has been a part of it all is Virat Kohli. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru batter recently took a trip down memory lane to recall the moment he was picked by RCB at the IPL auction, and surprisingly not his state association in Delhi.
According to a report by The Times of India, Kohli was in Malaysia when the IPL auction took place. He shared his experience on JioHotstar’s ’18 Calling 18′ show, saying, "The first year was exciting in terms of unexpected things happening. We hadn’t played a lot of T20 cricket. Secondly, franchise cricket allowed us to play with different players from all over the world—players we looked up to." (Source: The Times of India)
Kohli revealed that he and his fellow players were sold for a mere Rs 20 lakhs, a sum that seemed like a fortune to them at the time. "When the auction happened, we were in Malaysia, in Kuala Lumpur, and we were sold as first-class cricketers, who were limited to Rs 20 lakhs. We went crazy in the corridor—’We got Rs 20 lakhs!’ That was the emotion behind it. Because we didn’t know what to expect—the opening ceremony, the whole experience of meeting great cricketers—it was surreal," he recalled. (Source: The Times of India)
The IPL has come a long way since its inception, and Kohli expressed his amazement at the league’s evolution. "It’s been a long journey—one that we have seen grow, evolve, and become this amazing spectacle. Honestly, when IPL started, I never thought it could reach a stage like this. But 18 years and rolling, and every year you feel the same excitement, if not more, which is a massive credit to the league, the way it’s organised, the teams, the competitiveness, and the professionalism—top-notch," he shared. (Source: The Times of India)
RCB’s next match is against Chennai Super Kings at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday (May 3). The rivalry between CSK and RCB is one of the most intense in the IPL, with Kohli highlighting how traveling CSK fans create an electrifying atmosphere during matches in Bengaluru. "I would say one team that, historically, I’ve felt we’ve had the most intense games with is Chennai Super Kings in Bengaluru," Kohli stated. "Because in Chennai, of course, there are Chennai fans—it’s just yellow and CSK fans everywhere. But to play against CSK in Bengaluru is something else, because a lot of Chennai fans come to Bengaluru. CSK fans travel in huge numbers, so they buy tickets very early and take over a section of the stadium," he explained. (Source: The Times of India)
The IPL has provided a platform for players to showcase their skills and entertain fans with their performances. Kohli’s reflections on his IPL journey and the growth of the league are a testament to the tournament’s success. As per The Times of India, Kohli’s insights into the IPL’s evolution and his experiences with RCB and CSK provide a unique perspective on the league’s impact on Indian cricket.
In conclusion, Virat Kohli’s reflections on his IPL journey serve as a reminder of the league’s humble beginnings and its growth into a global phenomenon. As the IPL continues to entertain fans and provide opportunities for players to showcase their skills, Kohli’s insights offer a valuable perspective on the league’s impact on Indian cricket. The Times of India reported on Kohli’s recent statements, providing an in-depth look at his experiences and thoughts on the IPL.
